Our ancestors diligently safeguarded the treasure of Dhamma preached by the Buddha for future generations, while Sri Lankans faithfully supported the Maha Sangha by providing alms for their sustenance. However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where these traditions are in jeopardy. Following the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by Arhant Mahinda Thero, our nation embraced piety and assumed the responsibility of protecting Buddhism. Regrettably, today, certain monks, be they political figures, businessmen, or celebrities within the Bhikkhu community, tarnish the esteemed image of the Maha Sangharatna. This erosion of trust leads the youth to grow disillusioned with Buddhism, distancing themselves from the religion. In ancient times, Sri Lankans revered the Maha Sangha, dedicating the first harvest to sustain them. Yet, contemporary frustrations abound regarding the conduct of some monks. While a Bhikkhu traditionally renounces worldly pleasures, leading a simple and righteous life, many of today’s monks are fixated on power, material gains, and societal acclaim. This deviation from the path has earned them the derogatory label of “robe wearers.”
We’ve witnessed periods where the Maha Sangha garnered a poor reputation, engaging in politics contrary to Buddhist principles. Despite hopes that such times had passed, this unfortunate trend persists. Consequently, the youth lose faith in the Maha Sangha, perceiving religion as deceitful, leading to a rise in atheism. Monks now often amass wealth more fervently than laypeople, straying from the Buddha’s teachings. Throughout history, Bhikkhus maintained a close association with the laity, with governments even patronizing Buddhism. While offering counsel to kings, Bhikkhus refrained from direct involvement in political rule. Notable monks such as Venerable Kadahapola Thero, Ven. Gangaramayea Uduwe Thero, Ven Chandrajyothi Thero, and Ven Panadure Sumangala Thero once dedicated themselves to the freedom movement. However, some contemporary monks don robes not for spiritual devotion but to accumulate wealth.
Furthermore, some countries exploit these vulnerable Bhikkus to advance their own selfish regional political agendas. Consequently, despair pervades the populace. These nations distribute dry rations through temples, deceiving innocent people into believing they are acts of benevolence. However, in reality, they exacerbate the nation’s dire financial situation by ensnaring it in unsustainable loans. Profiting immensely from these loans, they drive the country further into bankruptcy. Recognizing Sri Lanka’s strategic significance along the Silk Route, these countries seek to exert their political dominance. To achieve this, they target susceptible Bhikkus who are enticed by material gains and power. By gaining access to temples through these monks, they establish a strategic foothold within local communities. Recently, China convened a roundtable discussion in Colombo ostensibly to promote religious harmony. However, their true motives lie in bolstering their influence by investing substantial sums in Buddhist activities.
The insidious infiltration of foreign powers is not limited to Sri Lanka but extends to nations like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, all situated in the South China Sea region. Despite Sri Lanka’s geographical distinction from this region, concerns arise over attempts to categorize it as such. These countries aim to undertake projects in Sri Lanka under the guise of promoting religious harmony, thereby furthering their own political agendas. It is imperative that we remain vigilant against these conspiracies. We cannot allow our monks to be swayed by bribes and luxuries, jeopardizing our nation’s sovereignty. Our ancestors upheld Buddhist precepts and sacrificed their lives to protect our country. We must not betray their legacy by succumbing to the ulterior motives of foreign powers.
The actions of certain Buddhist monks, who betray the essence of Buddhism, hinder the youth from embracing the religion. We must question who is behind this concerted effort to undermine our esteemed Buddha Sasana. The danger of including Sri Lanka in the South China Sea region must not be ignored. The village temple, once a sanctuary of spirituality, has become a strategic point of operation for these foreign powers. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and united against these threats, lest we allow Sri Lanka to be deprived of its sovereignty. Historically, Sri Lanka has been hailed as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, not a pawn in the South China Sea. Let us heed this warning and stand firm against those who seek to exploit our nation for their own gain.
© satipatthana magazine
